about.
Heights Christian Preschool & Day Care began in 1978 as a "Mothers Day Out"
program and it has excelled into our current program, which not only provides care for
children ages 8 weeks - 5 year old, but also provides before / after care for Kindergarten
through 5th grade students attending Comanche / Governor Bent Elementary
schools. Heights is licensed for 139 children at this time. We believe
what sets us apart from other centers is our staff, who are all wonderful,
reliable and claim Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior. To comply with
state regulations, Heights teachers have taken the State required 45-hour
Childcare Entry Level course and they continue to receive the required hours
of childcare training each year.
Heights believes that learning is empowered by our belief in Christ by
developing an atmosphere where Christian learning and curriculum interact
together with a qualified and caring staff that encourages children on a
daily basis. We believe the different stages of growth and development are
unique to each child individually, working hand in hand providing an
encouraging environment through play and positive interaction. Finally,
it is our goal to build self esteem, responsibility and
well-balanced choices for each child's future success.
We believe that children learn best in a nurturing, safe, and loving
environment. We want to partner with parents to help equip them with the
knowledge and experience to raise children who are happy, well adjusted and
caring adults. Our program encourages the following:
- Age appropriate curriculum
- Planned learning and age appropriate free play with choices.
- Ongoing training and professional development for staff.
- A learning environment that promotes an opportunity to explore each child's individuality through worship, sensory motor, music, exercise,
reading, art, science, math and language arts.
- Open communication with parents, teachers and staff.
- A clean and safe environment.
- We believe that play is the primary mode of learning.
testimonials.
"Our family was truly led to Heights Christian Day Care. Having our children at HCDC has been the foundation we’ve always wanted for them. Here they are placed in a safe and
caring environment with a team of teachers that nurture our children’s learning and faith in God. We love Heights Christian Day Care!" - The Green Family
"My child has attended Heights Christian Day Care and Pre-school since he was 2 years old and fresh into day care. He is now in 2nd grade and attending the before and after
school program. Him being my first and only child, I am beyond pleased with the care, love and learning that he has received over all these years. From being potty trained in less than a
week to learning how to hold a pencil and write to worship sessions daily to learn just the right amount of the Bible for a child his age.
The longevity of each staff member really helps make the experience so much more comforting. All the staff is so nice, personal and truly treat us like family.
I recommend Heights Christian Day Care and Pre-school to EVERYONE!" - The Reinert Family
"Heights Christian Daycare has been a blessing to our family for generations. I attended Heights as a child and have such fond memories of my time there. When it came
time for my husband and I to choose a daycare for our children, we knew that Heights was the only choice for us. When I leave my children at Heights I am confident they are
safe and loved by every single staff member there. Heights is like a second home for our children where they are nurtured and the foundations of their faith grow stronger
everyday. Our children were well prepared for elementary school thanks to the academic preparation in the 2's-4's classes and they continue to thrive in the school age
environment. This is a truly special place!" - The Morrow Family
"Our daughter has been going to Heights Christian daycare for about 4 years. It has become a second home to us and the staff has become our second family. They encourage
our daughter everyday and help her to create a strong sense of self esteem. The staff is always willing to go the extra mile to help our family especially with prayer.
Thanks to the teachers and staff at Heights Christian we feel a little bit better about leaving our daughter every day because we know she is in the hands of caring professionals
who cherish her (almost as much as we do) and seem to understand how much we must miss her every day. HCD is one of the greatest decisions we have ever made for our
daughter." - The Autry Family
meet our staff.
My name is Amie Shepherd. I have worked at Heights Preschool & Daycare since 2008. I started in the two’s classroom and have worked in all classrooms. I now serve as the Director and currently hold a Child Development Associate Credential and National Administrator Credential. In addition I am continuing my education with early childhood education classes. I have also been a member of the American Medical Technologists since 1999. My husband David and I have been married since 1999 and have two wonderful boys. I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, boating and studying the Bible. Our family has been members of Heights since 2005. I accepted Christ in 2008 when I was baptized along with our oldest son. I find it a privilege to work with children and to be able to teach them about our Lord and Savior.

My name is Martha Tsoodle and I have been with Heights since 2002. I am currently the Supervisor of
the 4’s program and have solely worked with the 4’s all these years. I find working with the 4 & 5 year
olds very rewarding. They make me laugh and are always so loving. I am continuing my education by
taking Early Childhood classes as I truly believe God has me where He wants me to be. I’ve been
married to my husband, Jay, since 1987 and we have 3 wonderful children, two of whom are married now
and one in college. Our oldest graduated from UNM Medical School in 2017.

My name is Terri Lopez and I have worked at Heights since 2001, starting in the 2’s and now a 4’s
teacher and School Kids Supervisor. I grew up at Heights in the school kids program while my
mother worked as a supervisor in the 3’s program, so working at Heights has been my joy since I
myself grew up here. Not only do I teach here, but also I am gifted with the creativity to make special
banners and posters for the day care and church. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Beatle,
since 2000 and we have 3 amazing children, Toby, Quincy, and Emi, who have all grown up here and are
able to finish the program. I am strongly involved in my church at New Beginning Crestview, where I
participate in the Women’s Bible studies and children’s ministry.

I’m Flor Suriano and I have been working with children since 1982 and have worked solely with 2 year olds. I started here at Heights Christian in 1996
and have been here ever since. I do enjoy working with children, potty training them, teaching them and being able to see a lot of my students come back
to visit me. I have been a Christian for 30 years and I am thankful for His presence in my life. I am happily married to my husband, Elias, whom the
children like to call Amigo. In my spare time, I love to scrapbook and get crafts for my children at school.

My name is Gina Teyechea. I have been working in child care since 1996 and have experience with children from infants to school age. I have been with Heights since 2020 and am currently a lead teacher in the 2’s classroom. I have obtained a Child Development Associate credential and National Administrator Credential and continue to expand my education with early childhood education classes. I accepted Jesus into my life about 10 years ago and my family and I attend Heights. I continue to build my relationship with the Lord while helping build the children’s knowledge and relationship with the Lord as well. I have 5 children, 2 daughters, 3 sons, and 7 grandchildren along with 3 sisters. Two of my son’s still live at home with me. In my spare time I like to read, paint, and spend time with my children and grandchildren.

I’m Elaine Herrera and I’ve been here at Heights Christian since October of 2013. I have worked with children from infants to 5 years old.
These last few years, I have worked specifically with the 3 & 4 year olds. I am a mother to 5 children, sister to 6 siblings, and it is my hope that
I could be a grandmother. In my spare time I help feed the homeless and I take an art class. I do find joy just being at home enjoying my time there.

My name is Georgina Velazquez, and I have been working at Heights since 2020 in the toddler’s classroom. I grew up in a Christian household. Religion has been important in my life and to me is the foundation of morals, beliefs, and helps to shape us to be more like Christ. My family is very important to me. They have provided love, support, advice, and have motivated me to push the boundaries to make myself a better person. I have many hobbies such as reading a good book with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy books that teach real world lessons. In my spare time I love to paint, do origami, calligraphy, and journaling. Horticulture also holds a special place for me and my favorite plants are my bonsai tree and flowers.

I’m Yannely Banuelos and have been working at Heights since 2022 in the toddler room. I have been caring for children since high school where I worked in the school's preschool program and did student teaching. I have been working with my church’s nursery and five year old programs for a few years now and enjoy teaching children about God and Jesus Christ. For as long as I can remember, I have always gone to church with my mother, and as a teen I accepted Christ into my life. I was born in Wisconsin and moved to New Mexico when I was 8 with my mother and 3 of my siblings. My older sister still lives in Wisconsin. I love spending time with my animals and being with them outdoors. I enjoy listening to music in my free time as well as cleaning my house. I like to clean it a certain way so, it makes me happy.

My name is Adam Antonio and I have worked at Heights since May of 2022 in the 3, 4 and school age classrooms. I attended Heights as a child and was thrilled to be able to come back and work here. My grandmother and mother also worked at Heights and my aunt still does. We have a big loving family that does a lot together. I gave my life to the Lord 5 years ago, and have attended church all my life. In my spare time I love to draw and spend time with family.

My Name is Robin Jose. I went to Heights when I was a child and started working at Heights in 2002. I left to be a director at the YMCA and childcare coordinator at Stepping Stones Daycare. I returned to Heights as a 4 year old and school age teacher in May of 2024. I have worked with all ages from infant to 5th grade. Since I was born I have been a Christian. My mother was a Sunday school teacher. I was baptized at the age of 11 and rededicated my life to the Lord in 2007. I have a very tight-knit family and I'm grateful for how close we've stayed connected. I am the mother of 3 amazing children. In my spare time, I love to sleep and go out to eat. I consider myself a social butterfly, so I enjoy meeting new people.

My name is Tori Maldonado. I was a teacher at Heights from 2019-2023 and returned to Heights in May of 2024. I am currently the lead teacher in the nursery, and help out in the toddlers and 2's classes. I love working with these sweet babies and teaching them about Jesus! I am blessed to have been raised in a Christian home and have been growing toward Christ since November of 2007. At that time, I accepted Jesus into my life and was baptized here at Heights. My father is the Pastor of Heights, my mother sings on the worship team, and my brother is the Youth Director. My husband is also involved with the children’s ministry at a different church and I continue to maintain a close relationship with my parents and siblings. When I am not at a church activity, I dearly enjoy writing, doing makeup, painting or playing board games.

My Name is Wendy Urioste. I began working at Heights in January of 2024. I am currently a teacher in the nursery and enjoy it very much. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior in 1975. My mother was my biggest inspiration in that decision and to this day I am very grateful. We attend Legacy Church and have made many friends there. My mother is my best friend; she is my everything. I have 3 younger brothers: Ed, Chris, and Ernie. Ed passed away in 2008, leaving my mother and I to raise his young daughters who are now grown and on their own. In my spare time I enjoy knitting, sewing, and playing Canasta with my mother and her friends.

My Name is Claudia Chambers. I started working at Heights in May of 2024 and have experience with children infant to 2 years of age. I am currently a lead teacher in one of the 2’s classrooms. I accepted my Lord and Savior into my life 29 years ago. I have 3 adult children and enjoy spending time with them. I attend Hope Valley Church and volunteer working with children ages infant to 3rd grade. In my spare time I like to read my Bible and put together diamond paintings.
My Name is Anna Marie Roman. I began working at Heights in August of 2024. I am currently a lead teacher in one of the 3’s classes. I was raised in a Christian household and was baptized as a child. I have 2 younger siblings. I work with one of them, along with my aunt, here at Heights. My parents are very encouraging and supportive in all I do. I enjoy spending time alone listening to music, working on jewelry, and sometimes painting and drawing.
My Name is Esperanza Roman. I started working at Heights in October of 2024 and have experience working with children of various ages. I am currently a teacher in the nursery. My older sister and aunt also work at Heights. I accepted the Lord as my Savior when I was 15 years old. Family is very important to me. We love spending time with each other. In my spare time I like to go out with my friend and scrapbook. My favorite hobbies are going to church, cooking, cleaning, and trying new things.